Wilma de Faria: priority is to make it in the next 12 months

"I have no doubt that the challenges of the World Cup, which are not small, shall be overcome"

The investments, that will help to prepare Natal to get ready for the World Cup in 2014, will be reflected throughout the state. That is the challenge that awaits the Governor Wilma de Faria. She believes that circa R$ 5 billion will be invested before and during the competition and will represent a "divider of waters" in the history of Rio Grande do Norte. In an interview with Tribuna do Norte, the governor also talks about the sources of resources and the “legacy” that the world Cup will leave in the Potiguar (this is the name given to those born in the state of Rio Grande do Norte) territory.

What does it mean to the state to have the capital chosen as a secondary venue? Great investment or great challenge?

It is important to stress that the project "Natal 2014" is not only a government project but a project of the State. I thought of the future of Rio Grande do Norte, in economic development and investment opportunities that the greatest sporting event in the world can generate for a small state like ours. I think that with our state being one of the venues, we have already overcome the greatest of the big challenges of our bold project. In the end, what will remain in the state are the large investments, not only of concrete and cement, but also other important sectors such as health, improved skilled labour, security and expanding trade and tourism. I have no doubt that the challenges, which are not small shall be overcome. We were especially courageous and daring to invest in the World Cup, when many voices went silent or were openly critical.

Which projects does the government have ready now or in development, with views to 2014?

We presented to Fifa a viable project. We have the most comprehensive and structured technical design of those submitted for the 2014 World Cup. Although the Dunes Arena is located in a privileged area, which already has major access roads, Natal and its surrounding areas will receive large investments in infrastructure by 2014. The airport of São Gonçalo do Amarante will be ready on time. We will have completed the work of pro-transportation, Via Metropolitan - which will improve the heavy traffic in Natal - we will receive our Lightweight Vehicle on Trails (VLT) and we will have several road works around the Dunes Arena. I will give one example: the avenue Mor Gouveia will be interconnected to the roads of the UFRN (University of Rio Grande do Norte) campus. These are just some projects that are being implemented and that will completely transform the infrastructure of Natal.

Although there are five years until the World Cup, certain works must begin as soon as possible. What are the priorities for the period in which you will continue as Governor?

It is important to talk about our work to make the project "Natal 2014" feasible. We are the only state that has already submitted to Fifa the companies that will invest. Our priority for the next 12 months is to make the entire project possible. We have already implemented the committee manager, been approached by 10 large international companies that will invest, hired the best architectural and consultancy firms for the projects preparation and have full commitment of the State Government in the next 12 months. I am sure that the entire political and business class of the state is united to achieve the project, leaving politics aside and focusing efforts on investments that will be triggered from now.

What will the relationship be with City Hall?

The State Government has approved all projects so far. But as I mentioned before, we are calling, for the first time, for a united team. We want City Hall as our partner. I discussed the project with Mayor Micarla at our first meeting after she was elected and we were in agreement. It is very important that we unite our efforts, not only of the State Government and City Hall, but throughout society and all areas of business. We will receive investment in the next five years that will benefit the entire state. Investment of R$ 5 billion for a state such as Sao Paulo, for example, has little economic significance but investment of this nature in Rio Grande do Norte is a landmark.

How important is the support of the Federal Government?

The Federal Government has announced that it will produce a unique PAC (the government’s program to accelerate economic growth) for achieving the World Cup in 2014. Regarding the projects that I mentioned earlier, the Federal Government is our direct partner. To be fair: without the full support of the Federal Government it would not be possible to have an event like the World Cup, likewise it would not have been possible to hold the Pan American Games.

Which sources of resources must the government find to pay the necessary investments?

Our project will be made possible through a PPP (public-private partnership). The project itself, which includes the Dunes Arena, the sports gym, the convention center, state and municipal administrative centres, hotels, malls, commercial centres and parks will receive no public funding. The company or companies that win the bidding will invest in the construction of the Dune’s Arena and administrative centres. In exchange they may commercially exploit the other equipment, such as hotels, residential buildings and shopping malls and have the opportunity to administer the entire sports complex for a period of time. That means that public money will only be used to improve infrastructure and services. It is estimated that over the next five years the "Natal 2014" will bring more than R$ 5 billion of investment to the state.

How much of its own resources will be used? Will this hold back investment in other areas?

As I said before, the project itself will be funded through private resources. Infrastructure will be funded by public funds. It is good to note that the majority of the necessary infrastructure works were already planned or in operation. These are necessary works which are needed to improve the mobility of the city of Natal. We won’t be prejudiced in the "Natal 2014".

Do you think that the rest of the state, can benefit from the World Cup in Natal, or will they only be "watching" what happens in the capital?

Do you have any idea how many direct jobs this project will generate? Most of these will be in construction, which directly benefits the poorest communities and those who need more job opportunities. I have no doubt that the whole state will benefit from the project. As I said, if this investment was in a strong state such as São Paulo it would not have such an impact but here in Rio Grande do Norte it will strengthen our economy and the labour market more than any other project already deployed here.

After the World Cup, what guarantees can you give to ensure that the buildings will continue to be used so that they don't become "white elephants"?

Our project was identified as the most viable precisely due to the ongoing useability of all the buildings and structures. With the merger of the state and municipal administrative centres, hotels, for example, will have guaranteed guests. 

Sporting facilities, and other recreational facilities, form the largest entertainment park in our state. It will create a new area in the heart of our capital. It will be, without doubt, the most frequented district in the city.

Which fruits will these investments leave for the RN?

I’m not afraid of making mistakes: Natal will be one before and one after implementation of the project "Natal 2014". Regarding infrastructure, the improvement of basic services for security, transportation and health, as well as the new sports and leisure equipment which will be implemented and of course not forgetting the thousands of job opportunities that are generated in the next five years.

Until then, in your view, what is the greatest challenge for the government?

The biggest challenge was having the vision of the future for the project. I remember that few, very few even believed that the Rio Grande do Norte could be chosen as one of the venues. I looked to the future and was determined that our team would develop the best project possible. Today we are here. We have already overcome the biggest challenge: We are in the 2014 World Cup! Rio Grande do Norte will be shown to at least 1 billion people watching the World Cup around the world. Our challenge now is to make sure that all Potiguares, on the day of this game, are either in the stadium or in front of the television, and feel proud to see our state being shown to the world as an example of organisation, effort and duty. We need to make everyone feel as though they have taken part in a bit of history. The Government believed, invested and the victory is for everyone!

Source: Tribuno do Norte 01/06/2009
http://tribunadonorte.com.br/noticias/111210.html